1. BLACKBIIRD
BLACKBIIRD is a civil rights song originally written by Paul McCartney about the Little Rock Nine. Poetically covered by Beyoncé and four Black rising country stars: Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Reyna Roberts. Plus, the instrumental sounds in the background are from the original 1968 master recording from the Beatles.
2. Nearly 100 Songs
Beyoncé recorded nearly 100 songs, according to the Parkwood statement. “I enjoy being open to have the freedom to get all aspects of things I love out and so I worked on many songs,” the YA YA singer reveals.
3. DOLLY P
Dolly P manifested Honey B singing JOLENE. Dolly Parton once said in an interview on The Daily Show, that it would be "killer" if the Houston superstar covered her hit song. She surely did cover the song and then some, putting her beautiful Beyoncé twist on an already iconic track. The "Renaissance" singer even gave the country icon full songwriting credits on the Sorry part II version (my words, Bey has not yet confirmed) of JOLENE.
4. Nails are instruments too!
Glamour confirms that Beyoncé did indeed use her nails as an instrument on RIIVERDANCE. The drumming percussion on the background of dance track is from the legendary entertainer's tip of her nails. So bounce on that!
5. Western films
The "Cowboy Carter" name was inspired by "the original Black cowboys of the American West." To destroy the once negative connotation of the name and present the strength and resilience of these men - "Cowboy Carter" was born. "Each song is its own version of a reimagined Western film." She took inspiration from popular western films, sometimes playing the movies in the recording process.
6. Husband, billionaire and songwriter
Her best friend, legendary rapper and business mogul husband Jay-Z has also wrote a few songs on this album for his amazing wife Beyoncé. The New York native is credited on AMERIICAN REQUIEM, DAUGHTER, YA YA and SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN’.
7. Some hidden talent on the album
There are also so many other talented artists that you may have not known collaborated with Bey on "Cowboy Carter." This includes Ryan Beatty, Jon Batiste, Raye, Nile Rodgers, Pharrell Williams, Camaron Ochs, Dave Hamelin, Shawntoni Ajanae Nichols - aka Mamii, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Ryan Tedder, Arlo Parks and 070 Shake.
8. So many legends on one album - so why not add another?!
Beyoncé revealed in her acceptance speech at the iHeartRadio Awards that the legendary Stevie Wonder played harmonica on "Cowboy Carter's" JOLENE.
9. Cowboy Carter before Renaissance?
"Cowboy Carter" was supposed to be released before "Renaissance." However, the pandemic changed her plans. I am a big believer of everything happens for a reason, so I think she released this at the right time. A piece of work that took five years to perfect and all the time truly paid off.
10. She is indeed THAT GIRL, but just in case you needed a reminder go play the album again :)
Beyoncé once sang "IM THAT GIRL" and she indeed is, proving time and time again she will break down any boxes people thought they could put her in. This is not a country album (even though it is), this is a Beyoncé album!
Woww she was right the timing of the album was beautiful especially since it allowed a space for black unseen country singers and writers to be brought to the front line!!